Most Medicare beneficiaries know about the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), but fewer understand Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) — the windows that allow plan changes outside of AEP when specific life events occur. In 2026, SEPs are more relevant than ever due to widespread plan discontinuations.

What Is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period is a federally defined window during which you can make Medicare plan changes outside the normal enrollment periods. SEPs are triggered by specific qualifying events and typically last 2–3 months from the triggering event.

Common SEP Triggers in 2026

Plan discontinuation: If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is being discontinued, you receive a SEP to enroll in a new plan. This is the most common SEP trigger in 2026 due to Humana and UHC exits.

Moving: If you move to a new address outside your current plan's service area, you receive a SEP to enroll in a plan available in your new location.

Losing other coverage: If you lose employer-sponsored health coverage, retiree coverage, or other creditable coverage, you receive a SEP to enroll in Medicare or change your Medicare plan.

Qualifying for Extra Help: If you qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) for Part D costs, you receive a monthly SEP to change your drug plan.

Moving into or out of a nursing facility: Residents of long-term care facilities have a monthly SEP to change plans.

SEP for Plan Non-Renewal

When your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, your SEP runs from the date of your non-renewal notice through February 28 of the following year. During this SEP, you can enroll in any Medicare Advantage plan available in your area, return to Original Medicare, or return to Original Medicare and purchase a Part D plan.

This SEP also triggers Guaranteed Issue rights for Medigap — you can purchase a Medigap plan without medical underwriting within 63 days of your old coverage ending.

How to Use Your SEP

To use a SEP, you typically need to provide documentation of your qualifying event. For plan non-renewals, your non-renewal letter serves as documentation. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or work with a licensed Florida agent who can guide you through the SEP enrollment process.

Call (435) 612-1009 to determine if you qualify for a SEP and what your options are.